Triumph moves into new millennium

By GARY MORELLO

Triumph's TT600 was the first fuel-injected bike in the super-sport category, but both the media and consumers weren't too impressed.

But Triumph, stiffening its British upper-lip, plugs on.

No one is saying Triumph made a mistake. No. They simply tried to elbow in on a market that has been ruled by the Nihon forever. With tightly honed CBRs, GSX-Rs, ZX-Rs and YZF-Rs, how could the very first evo of the TT succeed?

But that's another story for another time. Right now, Triumph has finished work on a very smart-looking Daytona 955i.

The new 2001 model has seen a number of upgrades. Most apparent is the styling.

With a new headlight, front cowl and tail-section, most around the office tend to agree Triumph did a good job. No longer does the T955i look like a nicely moulded blob of power.

The new 2001 bike is more focused and with harder edges and fewer curves. The result is pleasing.

It has shed weight, gained power and now it has digital instruments - cool. Also, the chassis has been tweaked to provide sharper handling. A twin-sided swing-arm, steeper steering geometry and re-tuned suspension help the bike turn through corners at increased angles of lean and at higher speeds.

On that topic, the new bike is now Europe's most powerful production sportsbike, churning out 147hp at the crank. Not too shabby for a Hinckley.

The fuel-injected, 12-valve, three-cylinder DOHC engine now revs higher, thanks to redesigned cylinder heads. Inlet valves have been increased in size by 1mm and exhaust valves are now 1mm smaller. Combine this with a exhaust system containing new headers and balancer pipe and you have a bike worthy to slay all opposition. Well, let's just wait for a test...

The engine spins to 11,000rpm - 500rpm more than the 2000 model. Good for burnouts and monos...

Triumph's Daytona has always been its best-selling sportsbike and if this first look is anything to go by, this next beast could well do the same. If it goes as well as Triumph says, it should be an absolute corker of bike.

The bike will come in Caspian Blue or Aluminium Silver at a yet-to-be announced price. You can expect the number to be similar to the current Daytona, however. It is set for a mid-year release in Australia.